As a Thai citizen, I've always been fascinated by the history of our monarchy. When King Rama X ascended to the throne in 2016, I was eager to learn more about him. However, I quickly realized that there was very little information available about him in the public domain. As a curious and avid learner, I set out to explore and unearth the untold story of our current king.
What I discovered was a captivating story that deserves to be shared with the world. Today, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovery as we delve into the life and times of King Rama X, the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty and the current King of Thailand.
I will take you on a journey through his childhood, his passion for aviation, his education, his time in the military and his ascension to the throne. We will explore the fascinating life of a man who has known both great privilege and profound loss, and who has spent his life in the service of his country.
Through this article, I hope to shine a light on some of the lesser-known aspects of King Rama X's life and help you gain a deeper understanding of the man who is at the helm of our kingdom. So let's dive in and discover the untold story of King Rama X – a biography that promises to be as captivating as it is inspiring!
Early Life and Education of Rama X
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is also known as King Rama X, is the current monarch of Thailand. He was born on July 28, 1952, at the Ambara Villa in Dusit Palace in the Thai capital, Bangkok. He is the only son and the third child of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. King Rama X has one older sister, Princess Ubolratana, and one younger sister, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
As a child, King Rama X received his education in Thailand, Switzerland, and England. He attended primary school at Chitralada School in Bangkok and secondary school at Millfield School in Somerset, England. In 1970, he graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra, Australia.
His Military Career
After completing his military training in Australia, King Rama X returned to Thailand to serve in the Royal Thai Army. He began his military career as a second lieutenant in the artillery division. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and held various positions in the military. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of general and appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army.
King Rama X has also been involved in the country's military operations, including the fight against communist insurgents in the 1970s and 1980s and the government's crackdown on drug trafficking in the 1990s.
Ascension to the Throne
King Rama X ascended to the throne on December 1, 2016, following the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His ascension to the throne was delayed for several weeks due to the period of mourning and the need for the Royal Council to endorse his succession.
King Rama X's coronation ceremony was held on May 4, 2019, at the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The ceremony was a mix of ancient and modern traditions, including a purification bath, a blessing by Buddhist monks, and the presentation of the royal regalia.
Political and Social Reforms
Since his ascension to the throne, King Rama X has been involved in several political and social reforms in Thailand. He has made efforts to promote unity and stability in the country, including his request for a new constitution, which was adopted in 2017. The new constitution grants more power to the military and reduces the power of elected officials.
The King has also initiated several welfare projects, including the establishment of the Artificial Rain Operation Centre to deal with drought and the Queen's Heart Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged children. He has also emphasized the importance of promoting education and preserving Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Controversies and Criticisms
King Rama X's reign has not been without controversy. His reign has been marked by a high level of secrecy and a crackdown on dissent. In 2017, the government passed a law that made it illegal to criticize the monarchy, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison.
There have also been reports of his high spending on personal items, such as owning a fleet of Rolls-Royces and spending millions on his coronation ceremony. This has led to criticism from the public and calls for more transparency and accountability from the royal family.
Personal Life and Interests
King Rama X's personal life has been the subject of much attention in the Thai media. He has been married four times and has six children. His current wife is Queen Suthida, whom he married in May 2019, shortly before his coronation.
In his free time, King Rama X enjoys flying planes and playing the saxophone. He is also known for his interest in sports and has served as the president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.
Future Plans and Legacy
King Rama X's reign is expected to focus on continuing the work of his father in preserving Thailand's cultural heritage and promoting the country's development. He has made efforts to modernize the monarchy and increase its relevance in modern society.
While his reign has been marked by controversy, it remains to be seen what his legacy will be in the future. As Thailand continues to evolve, King Rama X's leadership and influence on the country will undoubtedly play an important role in the years to come.
